Women Leading the Way: Stories of Strength, Growth, and Innovation

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across industries, acknowledge the progress that has been made, and reflect on the work that still lies ahead. From technology and finance to media and beyond, women continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and reshape industries for the better.

In this article, we highlight the professional journeys of three female Hyper Island alumni: Kajsa Lundborg, Valerie Fuchs, and Emma Bengtsson. The stories of how they’ve navigated unique challenges in tech, finance, and communications demonstrate how strong leadership and innovation can transform industries and open doors for future generations.

As we celebrate the impact of women today, these stories remind us that progress is driven by resilience, ambition, and the courage to challenge the status quo.

Kajsa Lundborg: Innovating in the FinTech Space

Kajsa Lundborg’s career has been defined by a passion for technology, business, and creativity. She has helped brands expand into new markets and led teams in some of the world’s most innovative companies, including Spotify, OnePlus, and Froda. Her journey into the digital space was ignited at Hyper Island, where she studied Digital Business, a decision that shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and set the foundation for her future success.

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Hyper Island has meant everything to my professional journey. I’ve met so many incredibly smart and talented people from all around the world that I would never have the opportunity to meet without Hyper Island.

As a leader in financial technology (FinTech), Kajsa thrives in an industry that still has significant room for disruption:

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The FinTech space is still very homogeneous and conservative in many ways. That’s why it’s so fun to flip it and turn it into something that people actually enjoy using.

Her achievements led to her recognition on Forbes 30 Under 30, an accolade she attributes to her dedication, resilience, and ability to challenge the norms in a male-dominated space.

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In tech, most entrepreneurs and C-level executives are men—often twice my age.

For Kajsa, leadership means pushing for change while staying true to herself. She has never had a female role model in her field, so she strives to be the mentor she once sought. Her advice for aspiring professionals?

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Being curious about many different things is never negative, but try to focus on what comes naturally to you and become the best at what you do.

Valerie Fuchs: Driving Diversity and Inclusion in Tech

Originally from Germany and now based in Amsterdam, Valerie Fuchs is on a mission to make tech more inclusive—both through her work as a Full-Stack Developer at WeTransfer and her initiatives supporting underrepresented talent. She also runs Cafe Robot, a beginner-friendly coding community where she introduces newcomers to web development in a fun and engaging way.

Her initiative, Female Freelance Developers, was born from a realisation that female-identifying developers lacked visibility in the freelance space. She created the platform in just two days with a “done is better than perfect” mindset, and today, it hosts over 100 talented freelancers from around the world.

When discussing diversity in tech, Valerie acknowledges the existing gender imbalance but remains hopeful:

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Technology is everywhere, which in turn means that everyone needs to be represented in the industry that shapes it.

Her journey from digital marketing to development was shaped by her time at Hyper Island, where she embraced a mindset of lifelong learning.

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Shifting my professional path in my thirties to becoming an intern again was a humbling and crazy experience.

Now, as a mentor and Industry Leader for Hyper Island’s Frontend Developer program, she’s helping the next generation navigate their own journeys in tech.

For those looking to enter the field, Valerie’s advice is simple:

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Be patient and kind to yourself. Learning how to code is not a sprint—it’s a marathon.

Through mentorship, education, and inclusion, she continues to push for a more welcoming tech industry.

Emma Bengtsson: Shaping the Future of Communication

Emma Bengtsson, Communications Manager at SVT, Sweden’s national public broadcaster, specialises in marketing and storytelling that highlights the country’s diversity and culture. A Hyper Island Content Developer graduate, she uses her expertise to create impactful communication strategies in today’s media landscape.

Working at SVT, Emma has experienced firsthand the rapid transformation of the media industry. With audiences consuming content in new ways, communicators must be agile, strategic, and constantly evolving—in order to keep up.

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You can’t just assume people will watch you. You have to be smart, always on your toes, and never settle or get too comfortable.

Diversity and inclusion are central to Emma’s work. She believes that the media industry has a responsibility to reflect society accurately and inclusively. While she has personally felt supported in her career, she acknowledges that not everyone has the same experience.

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Diversity is a job that is never complete. You have to always question it. If you don’t, you risk reproducing the same issues over and over again.

Emma’s leadership extends beyond her professional work. She actively engages in discussions about representation and equality, challenging assumptions and advocating for fairer industry practices. She credits her time at Hyper Island for teaching her the value of reflection—a skill she uses daily to navigate complex projects and team dynamics.

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Now, if I’m stressed, it’s easier for me to analyse how I feel and why I’m feeling this way because I’ve become so used to reflecting.

For those aspiring to work in communications, Emma emphasises the importance of understanding the broader impact of their work.

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When you study and work with communications, you are a part of creating a normalisation standard in society. What you do sends a message—both literally and figuratively.

A Legacy of Strength and Inspiration

Kajsa, Valerie, and Emma exemplify what it means to be strong, determined women shaping the future of their industries. They have not only broken barriers but have also paved the way for future generations of women to rise in leadership roles.

Their journeys remind us that success is built on continuous learning, resilience, and daring to challenge the status quo.

For those following in their footsteps, the message is clear—lead with confidence, keep learning, and never stop pushing forward.

If you’re interested in reading more inspirational stories from students, alumni, and staff at Hyper Island check out our blog.

Hyper Island Shape Your Future

Article updated on: 04 March 2025

Women Leading the Way: Stories of Strength, Growth, and Innovation

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